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Caught between the unyielding wall and Wyatt's imposing presence, Hazel's eyes conveyed a sense of entrapment. “Can I have your phone?” Wyatt’s husky voice whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. She nodded, her eyes pleading for release, desperate to escape his menacing presence.

Wyatt’s dark eyes bore into her, demanding answers. “Have you told anyone about me?” His voice carried an undercurrent of danger, making her pulse quicken.

“No,” she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible. She didn’t want to be responsible for any harm that might befall her or those around her. But the truth was, she didn’t know what he was capable of, what lurked within him.

“I am hungry. Can I get something?” Wyatt’s question disrupted her thoughts.

“Sure,” she managed to say, her voice quivering as she tried to maintain a facade of composure. With each step towards the kitchen, her mind raced, searching for a way out, a solution to this tangled web of danger and uncertainty.

“Somebody is here,” he said, his voice low and filled with a chilling certainty.

“What? No,” she rolled her eyes, confused about how he knew. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, the sound echoing through the house, sending a jolt of panic through Hazel’s body. She looked at Wyatt, his presence intimidating and his warning fresh in her mind. She knew she had to act, to protect both herself and the person at the door.

“Whoever it is, don’t allow him to come inside. Otherwise,” he snarled, sending her his last warnings.

“Why have you always threatened me? Killing people is not so easy,” Hazel retorted stubbornly, her voice tinged with defiance but trembling with fear. She dared to challenge him, to question his methods, but deep down, she was well aware of the danger that surrounded her. He walked towards her, his strides purposeful and predatory, and grabbed her neck tightly, his grip tightening like a vise. She gasped for air, her eyes widening in a mix of pain and terror.

“Listen, you little doctor. If you want to save your friend, you will do as I say,” he said, his words laced with a chilling darkness. Hazel’s heart raced, her mind racing to find a solution, a way to navigate this dangerous situation without causing more harm.

Not wanting to provoke him further, Hazel jerked his hand away, her actions fueled by a mixture of desperation and survival instinct. She ran towards the door, her heart pounding in her chest, panic coursing through her veins. She saw Kevin and Jack standing outside, oblivious to the sinister presence lurking inside her home. With a deep breath, Hazel composed herself. She approached the door, and greeted Jack with forced cheerfulness.

“What the hell happened to you? I heard you were sick?” Jack’s concerned voice pierced through the tension in the air, causing Hazel to momentarily forget her own fears. Feeling the weight of her own lies, Hazel forced a weak smile, “Nothing. I just got a little sleep. Been binge-watching movies and shows,” she offered, hoping her feeble excuses would suffice.

Jack’s brows furrowed, his eyes searching hers for signs of the truth. “Watching TV made you sick? That’s unusual,” he remarked with skepticism. Panicking, Hazel instinctively turned and covered her door, blocking Jack’s view of the inside. “No, it’s a mess inside. I’m just... cleaning up,” she stuttered, her voice filled with a mix of anxiety and urgency. Jack exchanged a confused glance with Kevin, who had been silently observing from behind. Their suspicion only heightened Hazel’s unease, as she desperately tried to maintain a facade of normalcy.

“Hazel, I brought your favorite pizza,” Kevin interjected, holding up the box as a peace offering. He tried to break the tension, but Hazel’s nerves were on edge, and she snatched the box from his hand, her actions more forceful than intended.

“Thank you; you can leave now,” she replied curtly, her voice tinged with an underlying sense of distress. Jack’s concern deepened, his gaze lingering on Hazel’s troubled expression. “Why are you behaving like this? Are you trying to hide something?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Fear clutched at Hazel’s heart, but she fought to maintain composure. “No, there is nothing,” she said, her voice betraying her attempt at reassurance. Realizing she needed to divert their attention, she quickly came up with a plan. “It’s just... I want to be alone for some time. Let’s meet later in the evening at the city park?” she suggested. Jack frowned, unsure of her sudden change in behavior, but he respected her wish not to pry further. “Fine,” he agreed reluctantly, exchanging a concerned glance with Kevin before they turned to leave.

Hazel slid down the door, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Wyatt, on the other hand, found the situation amusing and couldn’t help but laugh at her. “Seriously?” she rolled her eyes at him, her pride wounded.

As she watched them leave her house, Hazel quickly sent Jack a message, apologizing for her odd behavior. Wyatt, noticing the box in her hand, raised an eyebrow curiously.

“What’s that?” he asked, eyeing the box. Hazel held it possessively. "It's my pizza, and I'm hungry," she asserted, a touch of defiance in her voice. Wyatt smirked, appearing unperturbed by her resistance. "Well, then make your own food. I have no interest in sharing my pizza with you," she shot back.

Hazel jerked her body away, taking four slices for herself. With a teasing smile, she intentionally moaned in satisfaction, savoring the taste to provoke Wyatt. He observed her, his gaze unwavering.

“You treat your guest like this?” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

She licked her lips playfully, enjoying his reaction. “Ummm... wait a second. You’re not my guest. You forced me to save your life in the middle of the road, and you’ve threatened to kill me twice,” she reminded him, her tone laced with irritation. Wyatt’s smile only widened as he looked at her. “Do you want this last slice?” she asked, her voice holding a tinge of mischief. Hazel paused for a moment, relishing the opportunity to tease him. Just as he was about to extend his hand, she quickly snatched the last slice, taking a big bite and moaning exaggeratedly. Her playful act continued until she realized she had forgotten Stalker’s food.

Slapping her forehead in frustration, she muttered, “Stalker, I forgot your food.”

Turning around, she saw Wyatt standing right behind her, his eyes fixated on the hanging slice and her lips. Instinctively, she tried to push him away, but he firmly held her neck, taking a large bite from the slice. Startled, Hazel had no choice but to let go of her slice to avoid his teeth sinking into her lips. “What the hell?” she exclaimed, pushing him away, a mixture of annoyance and concern in her voice.

“I told you, I’m hungry,” he smirked, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Now, could you whip up something for me? Cooking isn't my forte," he casually mentioned, stretching his legs and placing them on the coffee table. Hazel rolled her eyes, frustration clear in her voice, as she stomped her way to the kitchen. “How can people be so mean? You save their lives, and they threaten you,” she muttered under her breath.

“I can hear you,” Wyatt responded, his tone filled with amusement. She forced a fake smile before muttering, “Animal.”

“That I am,” he replied, raising his voice slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. Hazel rolled her eyes, deciding it was best to keep her thoughts to herself. She started cooking pasta in one pan while chopping vegetables, hoping to appease Wyatt’s hunger. However, he interjected with a request.

"Not veggies, strictly non-veg," he specified, prompting Hazel to ponder her newfound role as his personal chef. Resigned to her fate, she prepared fried chicken to accompany the pasta. Placing the tray on the dining table, Hazel called out, “Mr. Romano, your food is ready. Eat and leave,” her voice tinged with a mixture of annoyance and a desire for solitude. To her dismay, as she turned to leave, Wyatt grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. “Sit with me. I don’t enjoy eating alone,” he requested, surprising Hazel. Sighing sharply, she reluctantly sat beside him, resting her hand against her face on the table, trying to distance herself emotionally. Wyatt, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil, remarked, “It’s tasty.”

Hazel couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. She had hoped for a simple thank you, but his appreciation seemed limited to the food alone. As he devoured all the chickens and finished the entire bowl of pasta, she couldn’t help but wonder if his hunger was truly insatiable. Taking the dirty plates to the sink, Hazel’s momentary respite was interrupted when Wyatt asked for her phone. She handed it to him, and he dialed a number. Within an hour, four SUVs and a U-Haul truck arrived in front of her house.

Ruben arrived at Hazel’s door, holding a set of clothes for Wyatt. Behind him were four massive bodybuilders who entered the house with purpose. Hazel looked puzzled and asked Wyatt, “Where are they going?”

“We are replacing your bed. It’s all stained,” Wyatt explained, nodding towards the bodybuilders who were now carrying her old bed out.

“No, no, I didn’t want to. Who permitted you to enter the house?” Hazel protested, pushing the man.

Wyatt swiftly grabbed her waist, trying to calm her down. “Little doctor, it’s important for your safety.”

“But that was my favorite bed!” Hazel screamed in frustration. Ignoring her protests, Wyatt went inside and emerged wearing a V-neck t-shirt and denim. He looked incredibly attractive, causing Hazel to take notice.

As they changed the bed and combed through every corner of the house, one man grumbled, “This place reeks of her scent," his expression revealing clear displeasure. Hazel couldn’t control her anger and landed a punch on his face. “What the hell did you say? This is my house, and it carries my memory,” she shouted, ready to defend her home.

Wyatt immediately intervened, picking her up and carrying her to another room. He held her close, whispering in her ear, “Calm down, little doctor. He meant that the house has your fragrance everywhere, not mine. They cleaned your house for your safety.”

Hazel slowly relaxed in Wyatt’s embrace, realizing that her outburst might have been uncalled for.

“That was my favorite bed,” she muttered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Wyatt reassured her, “The new one is more comfortable for you. Trust me.” With a mix of emotions, Hazel watched him leave the room, only to be greeted by Ruben, who thanked her for saving his friend’s life.

“Thank you for saving his life,”

“I don’t want to see him again,” Hazel replied coldly, still feeling hurt by the events of the past few days. Feeling exhausted, Hazel went upstairs and found an immense bed, even bigger than the last one. Despite her initial resistance, she couldn’t help but appreciate the gesture. She jumped onto the new bed and snuggled in, finally finding some solace after the turbulent experiences she had endured.

In the depths of her mind, she promised herself not to see him ever again, but little did she know. Her life had taken an unexpected turn, and she did not know where this path would lead her.